If you really want to make it big in the fashion industry, you want to learn from the best. However, the best can sometimes be expensive. However, there are scholarships in the fashion industry to help with the cost of acquiring this profitable skill. So, I have set up this post with 7 fashion scholarships for international students with really simple eligibility requirements.
Fashion scholarships are becoming more and more popular as people look for ways to get into the fashion industry. The scholarships are available for different types of students, including those in their first year, transfer students, graduate students, and students from diverse backgrounds. Each scholarship has its own unique requirements.
Fashion Scholarships for International Students 2024-2025
In the US, there are several very prestigious scholarships for fashion students. I have done the research and discovered some top fashion scholarships that you will really like.
1. FSF Case Study Scholarship Competition 2024
The annual flagship program, FSF Case Study Scholarship is looking for the most talented and bright fashion students from all backgrounds, and you are required to apply.
The scholarship funds can be used for any educational expenses, including tuition, summer intern housing, study abroad programs, etc. Also, scholarship winners can participate in the FSF Mentor Program and select a mentor during their award year. Winners are invited to the FSF Awards Gala in New York City, attended by our Board of Governors and industry executives. Complimentary hotel and travel are provided.
FSF Case Study scholarship will also give you access to internships and full-time job opportunities through FSF partner companies and corporate recruiters. You can even join the FSF Alumni Association for ongoing development events and support throughout their careers.
Eligibility Requirements
- A recommended G.P.A. of 3.20 within your major.
- You must be a full-time sophomore, junior, or senior (graduating Spring 2025) enrolled in an FSF member school.
- Contact the FSF educator at your member school for login details and how to apply.
- International students with an F-1 Visa interested in the FSF Scholarship competition must submit a CPT for the Spring, Summer, or Fall semester of 2024, or a valid OPT by the FSF Case Study submission deadline on October 16th, 2024.
- CPT: Curricular Practical Training
- OPT: Optional Practical Training
- The complete explanation of CPT and OPT is available on the official United States Homeland Security website.
2. The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Fashion Scholarship Fund 2024
So, the next in line for you to consider in your application is the Council of Fashion Designers of America fashion scholarship. For undergraduate juniors and first-year graduate students who are studying fashion design at an American college or university, there’s an opportunity to apply for a scholarship.
Every year, the CFDA identifies outstanding student talent who are ready to lead and bring change to the worldwide fashion industry. They choose winners based on several factors, including financial need, creativity, innovation, commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in fashion. The CFDA Scholarship Fund, thanks to its donors, keeps investing in the future of American fashion.
For this fashion scholarship for international students, you need to submit a collection that focuses on 360 DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) or Sustainability. This can be in Womenswear, Menswear, Jewelry, or Accessories. Your collection can also show excellence in special focus areas like Material Innovation and Smart Textiles.
3. Dream in Color Fashion Grant
The Dream in Color grant is returning for its second year! This year, they are awarding two $5,000 grants to two women of color who are positively impacting their communities. One grant will go to an undergraduate student, and the other will be awarded to a woman who is working on an inspiring project that focuses on diversity and inclusion.
Eligibility Requirement
- Be currently enrolled in an undergraduate program pursuing a creative career, such as in art, advertising, music, technology, or fashion, or be working on a creative project that emphasizes diversity.
- Must identify as a woman of color.
- Reside in the United States.
- Demonstrate a financial need.
4. Pride Foundation Scholarships 2024-2025
Pride scholarship program is dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ students who are leaders in various aspects of their lives – in their personal growth, within their families, communities, fields of study, workplaces, and in movements advocating for justice.
They focus on directing resources to those LGBTQ+ student leaders who most need them, particularly those who have experiences and qualities such as:
- A commitment to promoting justice and the well-being of their communities, both in the past and looking ahead.
- Experiences of family rejection or a lack of access to broader community support systems.
- Encountering systemic obstacles to educational access and being affected by systemic discrimination and oppression. This specifically includes:
- Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color.
- Trans, non-binary, gender diverse, gender non-conforming, and Two Spirit individuals.
- Immigrants.
- Disabled people/People with Disabilities, including those living with chronic illness, HIV, neurodivergence, and mental health challenges.
- Students over the age of 25, who are non-traditionally aged.
- Individuals living in rural areas.
- Those who have faced or are facing housing instability or homelessness.
- Individuals who have experienced or are experiencing poverty.
- Financial need and lack of access to family or other financial support systems.
These priorities guide all the scholarship funding. While most Pride Foundation scholarships for international students are open to all students, they also offer specific scholarships based on students’ majors, backgrounds, locations, and more. In these cases, they give priority to students who meet both the specific fund criteria and our broader programmatic priorities.
Scholarship Requirements
- Northwest Residency. Applicants must reside in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington, though they may study elsewhere. Residency is defined as currently living in one of these states or having lived in one for at least one year at any time in the past five years.
- Pursuing Post-Secondary Education. Applicants must be pursuing post-secondary education in the upcoming 2024-2025 academic year. This can include community colleges, four-year colleges or universities, certificate programs, vocational/technical/trade programs, law, medical/dental/veterinary schools, or graduate education.
The 2024 Scholarship application portal is currently open, with a deadline, of course.
5. The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) Scholarships
FIT provides many fashion scholarships for international students who are working towards a degree in fashion design or similar areas. Currently, FIT has five different scholarships available for its students:
1. PVH Corporation Scholarship Application
Thanks to the fundraising efforts of the ITM Advisory Board, PVH Corp. has set up 2 scholarships that are funded forever. These scholarships help cover educational costs for ITM students. PVH Corp. is one of the largest and most respected fashion companies globally, operating in over 40 countries. Its well-known global brands include Calvin Klein and TOMMY HILFIGER.
2. Ralph Lauren Corporation Scholarship Application
The ITM Advisory Board, Ralph Lauren Corporation (RL), and other donors have worked together to create the Ralph Lauren Corp. ITM Scholarship Fund. This year, the fund is providing three scholarships for ITM students.
This scholarship was established in honor of Mr. Donald Baum, who was RL’s Senior Vice President (and later Executive Vice President) of Global Sourcing and Manufacturing. He was also honored as ITM’s 2009 Global Sourcing Executive of the Year.
3. Jacqueline and Russell Pomeranz ITM Scholarship Application
The Jacqueline scholarship is one in memory of Jacqueline Pomeranz, the mother of Russell Pomeranz and wife of Professor Christine Pomeranz. Jacqueline was a career counselor at a community college in Cleveland, Ohio, where she helped students find professional paths that matched their natural talents, studies, and goals.
She spent her last decade working at her retirement community, conducting interviews at the local radio station, welcoming new residents, and choosing undergraduate scholars with compelling stories. She was also an avid athlete, enjoying biking, tennis, weightlifting, and daily step climbing, and had interests in politics, education, and classical music.
With contributions from various donors in honor of the Pomeranzes, this fund provides at least one scholarship of $1,000.
4. The New Times Group ITM Scholarship Fund Application
This scholarship is a tribute to Mr. Donald Baum, who was the Senior Vice President (and later Executive Vice President) of Global Sourcing and Manufacturing at Polo Ralph Lauren Corp. The amount awarded varies from $2,000 to $2,600 annually.
5. Gemini Shippers Association Scholarship Application
The Gemini scholarship is the first of its kind for ITM students and was made possible by generous funding from the Gemini Shippers Association. This scholarship provides between $1,250 and $2,800 each school year to cover educational expenses.
2024–2025 Applications: The deadline for all applications is Monday, March 18, 2024.
6. The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Scholarships
Student Financial Services (SFS) is here to assist undergraduate students in understanding the financial aid process and the best ways to fund their education.
I often advise applicants to keep track of deadlines, as any financial aid forms received after the set deadlines will be considered based on the availability of resources.
Incoming students who want to apply for federal financial aid need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Remember, you must submit the FAFSA each year by the designated deadline.
Unfortunately, visiting students, mobility students, and students in other specific categories do not qualify for financial aid.
How to Apply (US Citizens)
For domestic students (US citizens and permanent residents), to be considered for financial aid, you need to complete two forms:
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Institutional financial aid form (available through the Admissions applicant status portal, but it’s only available to those who have completed their application for admissions).
For international students, RISD offers a specific international student aid application. If you are an international applicant, you need to complete the institutional financial aid form through the Admissions applicant status portal, available once you have completed your admissions application.
Deadlines are as follows
- November 15 for early decision
- February 15 for regular decision
- March 15 for transfer students
- May 1 for current students
7. The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) Scholarships
Finally, we have the Savannah College of Art and Design fashion scholarship. At SCAD, financial aid is available to assist students in funding their education. This aid can come in the form of scholarships, grants, federal and private loans, and work-study programs. Advisers are on hand to help you create a financial plan.
Applying for Financial Aid
SCAD has outlined a guide to make the financial aid application process easier for you. The deadlines for applying vary depending on the type of aid you are seeking. It’s important to be aware of these different deadlines and allow yourself ample time to gather all the necessary documents.
Applying for Federal Aid
U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens can apply for federal aid by completing the application for Federal Student Aid. When filling out the FAFSA, use the SCAD Federal School Code: 015022. This code is necessary for SCAD to determine your eligibility for federal financial aid. You need to apply and be accepted to SCAD before you can receive any financial aid.
How to Get Fashion Design Scholarships
So, I have covered the 7 fashion school options with scholarships and federal aid. Now, let’s look at the general application process.
1. Research and Identify Scholarships
Start by identifying scholarships that align with your field of interest in fashion. This includes scholarships like the FSF Case Study Scholarship, CFDA Fashion Scholarship Fund, Dream in Color, Pride Foundation Scholarships, FIT Scholarships, RISD Scholarships, etc. Make a list of these scholarships and note their specific requirements and deadlines.
2. Check Eligibility
Carefully review the eligibility criteria for each scholarship. This may include your current academic level (e.g., undergraduate, graduate), specific majors, GPA requirements, and whether they are open to international students. For scholarships like the FSF Case Study Scholarship, ensure you meet specific criteria such as having a recommended G.P.A. and being enrolled in an FSF member school.
3. Prepare Required Documents
Commonly required documents include academic transcripts, a resume or CV, a portfolio of your fashion work, and letters of recommendation. Some scholarships may require specific projects or collections, like the CFDA Scholarship Fund, which asks for a collection focusing on DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) or Sustainability.
4. Write Personal Statements or Essays
Many scholarships will require a personal statement or essay. This should articulate your passion for fashion, your career goals, and how the scholarship will help you achieve these goals. Address the specific themes or questions posed by the scholarship, such as your commitment to diversity and inclusion for the Dream in Color grant.
5. Prepare Your Portfolio
Your portfolio should showcase your best fashion work, including designs, sketches, and any finished products. Tailor your portfolio to each scholarship’s focus, whether it’s sustainability, innovation, or another specific area.
6. Obtain Letters of Recommendation
Request letters from academic advisors, professors, or industry professionals who can vouch for your skills and dedication to fashion. Ensure these are tailored to the scholarship’s focus, highlighting relevant aspects of your character and work.
7. Complete Application Forms
Fill out the application forms for each scholarship. Be meticulous and ensure all information is accurate and complete. For scholarships like the FSF Case Study Scholarship, you may need to obtain login details from your school’s FSF educator.
8. Submit Applications Before Deadlines
Keep track of each scholarship’s deadline and submit your applications well in advance. For instance, the FSF Case Study Scholarship has a specific deadline in October, while others may vary. After submitting your applications, follow up to ensure they were received. Some scholarships might require an interview as part of the selection process, so be prepared to discuss your application and passion for fashion in more detail.
Conclusion
So, that’s it guys for these fashion scholarships for international students. Usually, you’ll need to fill out an application form and include some creative work and pictures of what you’ve made. Showing your creative skills and sending in pictures of your designs is really important, but many scholarship programs will also want you to write essays about yourself and why you’re motivated to study fashion. If you want, you can pay someone to write these essays for you, so you can focus more on the creative part of your application.
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